Ch. 481..490

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 481

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Not the Real Daughter

“And have you found any tutors for Tyler?” Toby massaged his temples, looking exhausted.

Tom answered, “Yes, and they’re the cream of the crop in their fields. Once Master Tyler’s tournament is done, they can start their work.”

Toby nodded. “Good. You may leave.”

“Yes.” Tom nodded and left the office.

Toby unlocked his phone and looked at Sonia’s picture, which he had set as his wallpaper. Then, he touched her face with his thumb. “This is as far as I can take you,” he mumbled.

At the same time, Sonia had arrived at Charles’ place after getting a gift for Grace.

Grace came out to welcome her when she heard the hum of the engine outside. “You’re finally here, Sonia.”

“We meet again, Grace.” Sonia looked at her and hugged her happily.

After a while, Grace let go of Sonia and held her face with both hands. “Let me take a look.” She looked closely at Sonia. “It hasn’t even been too long since we last met. Did you get thinner again? And you look exhausted. Did you not sleep well?”

Sonia’s heart skipped a beat, but she nodded. “Yeah. I’ve been busy.” She wouldn’t tell Grace about what she had gone through, or Grace might collapse in shock.

Grace felt sad to hear that Sonia was overworking herself, and she held Sonia’s hand tightly. “I know you’re busy, but you still have to rest. Don’t overwork yourself. You’re still young, and you have a long road ahead of you.”

“I know. Thanks for your concern, Grace.” Sonia was touched that Grace cared so much for her, and she smiled.

Then, Charles went to the trunk and took out the clothes Sonia bought for Grace. “Don’t just stand there. Get in.”

“Oh my. I almost forgot.” Grace smacked her forehead lightly. “I was just too happy to see Sonia and didn’t notice that we were still standing outside. Come. Let’s go in.”

She took Sonia and went into the villa, while Charles followed behind, holding the gifts.

When they came to the living room, Sonia told Charles to cut up some fruits and brew some tea after he gave her the gifts.

The ladies sat on the couch and unwrapped the presents. A pair of simple and elegant earrings slept in the box. It was perfect for women around Grace’s age, and Grace loved it the moment she saw it. “It’s so beautiful. Thank you, Sonia.” Her eyes lit up.

“I’m glad you like it.” She smiled.

“Of course I do.” She nodded happily. “I love everything you give me. Here, put it on for me.”

“Sure,” Sonia agreed. She stood up and took Grace’s earrings off before replacing them with the ones she bought.

Once Grace wore the new earrings, she shook her head to feel how comfy the new earrings were, then she looked at Sonia. “How do I look, Sonia?”

“Beautiful. You’re beautiful no matter what you wear, Grace,” she praised.

Delighted, Grace touched the earrings. “You’re so sweet. My husband and the boy never praise me this way. They’d be really stupid and say all earrings are the same. So unromantic.”

Sonia was about to say something, but Charles beat her to it. “Hey, that’s a lie, mom. I am not that kind of guy. You always ask me if you look nice in your jewelry, and I praise you everytime. Dad’s the one who said the other thing.” He came over and put the fruit platter in front of Sonia. “Have some fruits, babe.”

“Sure. Thank you.” Sonia nodded and took a cherry.

Grace put her original earrings in the earring box Sonia bought, then she rolled her eyes. “I did not. You might have praised me, but you say the same thing every time. That’s not so different from what your father tells me every time.”

“Um…” Charles’ eyelids twitched, and he had no good comebacks. You can never win against experience. She hits me where it hurts the most. Charles never did say that all earrings were the same, but since he never changed his praise, it was the same thing anyway. He and his father were just trying to avoid the conversation.

Sonia chuckled with delight after Charles got shut down by his mother.

Charles laughed as well when Sonia laughed.

Grace noticed the change in him. She shook her head imperceptibly and sighed in silence. He’s still the same kid. Still scared of making a confession. Sheesh. Just tell her you like her if you really do. Don’t be afraid of rejection, and don’t be scared that you’ll never be friends anymore. Just convey your feelings. You might succeed, right?

However, Charles never took her advice to heart. Maybe he did, but he was too much of a scaredy cat to act on it. All he could do was love Sonia in silence. Because of that, Sonia never knew Charles loved her. He brought this on himself. Just go for it and be brave for love. Don’t just stand there and do nothing. You can’t expect the lady to make the first move.

The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she was at Charles. In the end, Grace shot him a glare. “Don’t just stand there. Tell the cook to prepare dinner right now, and call your father. Tell him to come back home on time for dinner.”

“Huh?” Charles was surprised.

“Don’t ‘huh’ me. Go!” Grace urged him impatiently.

“Oh, okay,” Charles said. “Right away.” He got up and went to the kitchen again. At the same time, he thought, Did I do something wrong? Why did she look at me like I was a piece of worthless trash?

After he left, only Grace and Sonia were left in the living room. Sonia put her glass down and asked, “Grace, you told Charles that you wanted to see me when I have time because you have something to tell me. What is it?”

After Sonia asked that, Grace’s smile slowly faded away, and it was replaced by a somber look.

When Sonia saw that, her heart skipped a beat. “What is it, Grace?”

Grace shook her head and smiled again. “Nothing. I was just thinking if it’s the right time to tell you this.”

“Tell me what?” Sonia was curious.

Grace said nothing, but she bent over to take out a small box from the drawer of the coffee table, then handed it to Sonia. “Your mother told me to keep this for her before she passed. She wanted you to have it once you found out your real identity.”

“What are you talking about, Grace? What do you mean by my real identity? What is all that about?” She suddenly gripped the box tightly and had a nervous look on her face. At the same time, she was getting scared.

Grace didn’t want to tell her, seeing as she was terrified, but in the end, she said, “Actually… you’re not the real daughter of your parents.”

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The revelation came as nothing less than a colossal shock for Sonia. Everything started spinning around her, while the world as she knew it started coming apart. Sonia took a while to calm down, then she looked at Grace in a daze. “I’m not my parents’ daughter?” she asked hoarsely.

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 482

Sonia’s Breakdown

Grace nodded. “Yes. That is correct.”

“Impossible!” Sonia shot up and shook her head violently. “There’s no way I’m not my parents’ daughter.” Her face was as white as a sheet.

“What? Babe’s not Mr. and Mrs. Reed’s daughter?” Charles had just come back from giving his father a call when he heard that bombshell of a piece of news. He was stunned for a moment, then he went up to his mother. “Do you know what you’re talking about, mom? There’s no way babe isn’t her parents’ real daughter.”

“Yes, I do, and I wasn’t lying. That’s the truth.” She sighed.

Sonia started trembling. Her face was getting paler and paler, while her eyes lost focus. “That’s impossible. Impossible.”

“Yeah, mom. There’s no way that’s real.” Charles refused to believe it either, and he looked at his mother. “When I told you that Sonia wasn’t the baby I saw the first time, she already suspected she wasn’t her parents’ daughter. That’s why she went to Norfolk to find out the truth. Then I asked you about it, and you told me the baby I saw the first time belonged to the Reeds’ relative, and Sonia’s their real daughter. Why are you saying a different thing now?”

Sonia looked at Grace as well. Her eyes were red, but also filled with hope. “You’re lying, Grace. You’re lying, aren’t you? There’s no way I’m not their kid.”

“I’m sorry, Sonia. I did lie to you, but not this time. I lied back then, back when I told you the baby belonged to the Reeds’ relatives. I didn’t want to make you sad. The truth is that the baby was your parents’ real daughter, but she died when she was five months old, so your father went to adopt you at an orphanage. You were a replacement for the baby, since your mother would have broken down otherwise.”

That was the final blow that snuffed all of Sonia’s hopes out. She started wobbling and finally plopped down on the sofa, for she had no strength left to stand. It was as if her heart and soul were shattered at the same time.

I see. No wonder grandpa kept that photo of his relative’s kid so carefully in his study. That was not his relative’s child, but his real granddaughter.

He lied to me. I’m not his grandkid, but a fake. I’m just an orphan who has no idea who my real parents are. My parents aren’t my parents, and my grandpa isn’t my grandpa either. Now even my name doesn’t belong to me. I’m just a b*stard who replaced the real Sonia. The mere thought of that made her smile in despair.

Charles was heartbroken seeing Sonia so depressed, so he glared at his mother. “Why did you have to tell her that, mom? You told her the baby belonged to the Reeds’ relative. Obviously you were going to hide the truth, so why didn’t you hide it forever? Why did you tell her now?”

Grace knew she’d break Sonia’s heart if she told her the truth, but she had to. And so, she sighed. “Because it didn’t sit right with me. After I lied to you, I kept thinking whether it was the right thing to do or not. When I came back, I looked through Lina’s photos and thought about her dying wish. That’s why I told Sonia. Even if I didn’t, she would find out sooner or later.”

“As if. She would never know if you said nothing.” Charles clenched his fists.

Grace looked at him. “Do you really think so? I said nothing about her real identity, but she still found out about the baby and had suspicions of her own. Do you really think you can hide something like this for life?”

“Um…” Charles couldn’t argue with that.

Grace continued, “She’ll find out about the truth even if I didn’t say anything today.” She then turned to Sonia. “Sonia, your parents had planned for your future long before today. They knew the company might not last forever even though it was going strong, nor could they guarantee they’d be with you for life. That’s why they set aside a huge sum of money for you when you were little.”

“They did?” Sonia looked at her.

“Yes,” Grace said. “Just in case the company went under or if they got into an accident, you wouldn’t be stranded with nothing even if you were alone. That was why they set the money aside in the bank. Once you turn thirty, the bank will inform you about this, then you’ll have to present your parents’ details so they can handle the paperwork. Once that happens, you’ll also know that your blood type doesn’t match with theirs. That’s why you’ll find out eventually even if I said nothing.”

“Holy moly. That’s unbelievable.” Charles gasped.

Sonia bit her lip but said nothing.

Grace patted her shoulder. “Don’t blame me for telling you this, Grace. I did it for your own good, since this secret can’t be kept forever. From the moment they left that money to you, it’s obvious they didn’t intend to keep it a secret forever either. You have the right to know who you truly are. That was why she left me this box and told me to give it to you once you know who you truly are. But I think it’s better to give you the box earlier and tell you the truth.”

“Why?” Charles was curious.

Grace looked at him as if he was an idiot. “Because she can accept it that much easier. Because she can find out how she really came to the Reed family. If she found this out on her own, she’d be worried about too many things she shouldn’t.”55312

Charles couldn’t argue with the truth. Telling Sonia the truth and letting her know she came to the Reeds because her foster parents wanted her to was better than her finding it out herself. If she found out about the truth on her own, she might think she was just a mere replacement and complicate an originally simple situation. Worse, she might go ballistic about it.

“Sonia.” Grace bent down to hug her. “I know you’re upset and you can’t accept this, but please don’t overthink this matter. You might not be their real daughter, but they truly thought of you as their own. They love you, alright?”

“I understand.” A drop of tear fell onto the back of her hand, and her voice broke. “I know they love me, and I know they see me as their own. That’s why they thought about my future that much. I just can’t face the truth as calmly as you want me to.”

The truth that Grace had divulged shattered her world into a million pieces. She had grown up under an environment filled with love. Her mother passed away when she was five, but her father still loved her. She could never imagine that they weren’t her real parents, given how much they loved her. However, that was the truth. I just don’t get it. Why must fate be so cruel to me?

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 483

Won’t Kill Myself

Even Charles’ jaw dropped. He was at a loss for words, but a storm was raging within him, and he couldn’t calm down. I can’t believe it. Mr. and Mrs. Reed aren’t her real parents! They adopted her? That’s straight out of a soap opera. And Sonia even went to Norfolk to find out the truth. When she thought she was their real daughter, she was so happy, but now… Charles was worried when he saw how crestfallen Sonia looked. “Babe…”

“Grace.” Sonia suddenly stood up and held the box firmly. “What is inside this box?”

Grace shook her head. “I have no idea. It’s your mother’s gift to you, so I have never opened it. You’ll have to find out for yourself after you go home.”

Sonia said nothing.

Grace held her hand. “Don’t think too much about it, Sonia. You’ll come to accept it. Let’s have dinner.” She took Sonia and went to the dining room.

Charles looked at them, then at the box Sonia left on the table. In the end, he clenched his fists and went with them.

It was not an enjoyable dinner for Sonia at all. Her mind was somewhere else, and even Grace and Charles were deathly silent. Because of that, the dinner was a silent affair, save for the chewing sounds and the clanging of cutlery. The whole atmosphere was rather somber.

Curtis had no idea what happened, but he disliked the atmosphere. He put his bowl down and was about to speak, but Grace noticed it, so she squinted dangerously at him, telling him to shut up. Curtis was afraid of his wife, so he went back to his dinner silently after receiving that death glare.

The dinner lasted for what seemed like a lifetime for Sonia, but it ended eventually.

She took the box and said goodbye to the Lanes before going to the villa’s entrance.

Grace quickly told Charles, “Send her off. She can’t drive in that state.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Charles rushed ahead. When he came out, he saw Sonia almost tripping over herself, since she wasn’t watching where she was going. He got tense and ran over to her, then pulled her back up before she could fall. “Are you alright, babe?” he asked nervously.

Sonia blinked and looked at him, but her eyes were dead. Finally, she shook her head. “I’m fine. I’ll be going home now,” she answered hoarsely as she took her car keys out and poked her door.

Charles arched his eyebrow, worried about her. “Do you know what you’re doing, babe?”

Sonia kept poking the door, as if she didn’t hear him.

Charles couldn’t take it anymore, so he took her car keys. “Let me do it, babe. You’re in no condition to drive. You even got the keys wrong. I can’t let you drive like that, so I’ll take you home. Get in.” He pressed a button and unlocked the doors.

Sonia pursed her lips, but she said nothing and went to the passenger seat, for she knew she wasn’t fit enough to drive.

They left the villa area a short while later and rejoined the metropolis. They were headed to Bayside Residence, and Sonia was silent the whole way through.

Charles kept glancing at her from the corner of his eye. He tried to say something while they were on the way, but he shut his mouth and said nothing in the end.

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When they arrived at Bayside Residence, Sonia got out of the car and went to her apartment complex with the box in hand. Charles suddenly got out of the car and stood beside it. “Wait a minute, Sonia,” he called out to her.

Sonia stopped, but she didn’t look back. “Yes?” she asked.

Charles went up to her and stopped two steps away. “Babe, what happened earlier, it’s…”

Sonia suddenly turned around and forced a smile. “I know what you want to say. You want me to accept my true identity so I won’t go crazy over it and kill myself, right?”

“You got it.” He scratched his head sheepishly.0

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“Yes, I did,” Sonia said. “You weren’t being subtle about it, so it was easy.”

“So, babe, you won’t kill yourself, right?”0

She turned around and closed her eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t. I just need some time to calm down. After all, the news is a bit too much for me to process. Go home, Charles. I need to be alone for some time,” Sonia said, sounding exhausted.

Charles could understand her need to be alone and process this piece of news, so he nodded. “Sure. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

“Okay,” Sonia answered curtly before she went ahead.

Charles stood right there to see her off. Once she went into the elevator, he went back to his car.

But the moment he did, someone suddenly stopped him. “Mr. Fuller wants to have a word with you, Mr. Lane.”

Charles stopped and frowned at Tom. “You? It’s late. Why are you here?”

“It’s not your concern, Mr. Lane. Come with me, please,” Tom said calmly as he adjusted his glasses.

Charles snorted. “Do you think I’ll go with you just because you asked me to? That’s a bit presumptuous, don’t you think?”

Tom squinted. “So you’re refusing, I assume?”

“Yes.” He puffed out his chest. “If he wants to talk to me, then he should come here himself, not the other way around. Since he’s not coming, I’m not going.”

“Is that so? Well, looks like I’ll have to take you by force.” Tom pounded his fists together and inched closer to Charles.

Charles’ face fell, and he tensed up as he retreated. “What are you doing? If you’re even thinking about laying a finger on me, I—”

Before he could finish, Tom disappeared like a flash and reappeared behind him. Then, he quickly grabbed Charles’ hands and pulled his arms behind him.

Charles’ face contorted in pain, and he turned around. “F*ck you, Tom. I’m not letting this go easily! Just you wait! I’ll kill you the moment I get the chance.”

“You won’t ever get that chance then.” Tom looked down and scoffed at him.

Charles trembled with rage. “Why you little…”

“Stop complaining and come with me, Mr. Lane,” Tom interjected and took him to a street nearby. Eventually, they came to a black Benz.

The backseat window was rolled down, revealing Toby’s pale but handsome face. He had changed his car to a humble Benz just in case Sonia recognized his Maybach.

Toby turned his head slightly, and Tom released Charles. “He’s here, sir.”

Toby grunted and looked at Charles.

Charles was swinging his arm around when he realized Toby was looking at him. “Why did you get Tom to take me here, Fuller? What do you want?” He shot Toby a glare.

“What happened to Sonia?” Toby pursed his lips solemnly.

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 484

Replacement

Toby noticed that something was off with Sonia after she got out of the car just now. Obviously, she was shaken, and he was worried something had happened to her.55314

Charles stopped swinging his arm around and sneered at Toby. “Hey, Fuller. I thought you had given up on her. You’re staying away, aren’t you? So why are you asking me all these questions? Decided you wouldn’t give up after all?”

Toby’s face darkened. “That’s none of your business. You just need to answer my question—what happened to her?”

“Why should I? Since you have given up on her, whatever she does is none of your business. You have no right to question.” Charles crossed his arms, thinking that Toby couldn’t do anything if he refused to answer.

Toby squinted coldly. “Do you really think I can’t find out for myself just because you refuse to talk, Lane?”

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Charles was stunned. “What are you talking about?”0

“I know she went to your place, so…” Toby whipped his phone out and made a call.

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It went through a moment later, and a familiar voice said, “Hello, Mr. Fuller.”

“Mom?” Charles was stunned that his own mother was taking the call. He looked at Toby incredulously. “How did you get my mom’s number? And why are you guys staying in touch?”

Tom adjusted his glasses and smirked. “Oh, you don’t know? Your mother and the madam used to go to the same college.”

“My mother was his mother’s college mate?” Charles’ pitch rose. “Impossible!”

“But that’s the truth.” Tom shrugged. “Not only did they go to the same college, they were good friends as well. Your mother and the madam worked together to set up that beauty parlor, you know. But after the madam’s demise, President Fuller inherited her share, so he’s also your mother’s business partner as well. That’s why he has her number.”

The corner of Charles’ lips twitched after hearing that explanation. “Holy cow. I never thought something like this would happen.” And I had no idea about it.

Toby was surprised after hearing Grace recounting the incident earlier. “What? You told her about the truth?”

When Charles heard that, he went over and grabbed the edge of the window that was rolled down halfway. “You know Sonia isn’t the Reeds’ real daughter, Fuller?” He stared at Toby.

Toby ignored him as he continued, “I see. Thank you, then.” After that, he put his phone down.

Charles gritted his teeth and repeated, “Fuller, you knew Sonia isn’t the Reeds’ real daughter, don’t you?”

“None of your business.” Toby looked at Tom. “Drive.”

“Yes,” Tom replied and pulled Charles away from the window.

Toby took the chance to roll the window back up.

“Don’t go, Fuller!” Charles banged on the window. “Roll down the window and tell me the truth. How did you know Sonia is not the Reeds’ real daughter? And when did you find out? Tell me, Fuller!”

Toby heard his questions, of course, but he ignored Charles and closed his eyes as he thought about something.

Tom got into the driver’s seat and drove away despite Charles’ angry protests.

Charles stomped his foot furiously when he was forced to bite the dust.

Tom looked in the rear-view mirror and saw Charles flailing his arms, and he smirked. However, that smirk faded quickly, then he looked at Toby’s reflection in the side mirror. “Who would have thought Mrs. Lane knew about this as well. And she even told Miss Reed about it.”

Toby nodded. “That is indeed a surprise.” He thought this secret was only known to Henry and Lina. Since they were long gone, nobody else would have found out about it. However, he never expected Grace to be one of those who knew about the truth, and she actually told Sonia about it. I wonder why she told Sonia.

Toby was frowning pensively. Tom noticed that, and after thinking about it for a while, he asked, “President Fuller, do you think Mrs. Lane told Miss Reed that the Grays are her real parents?”

“I don’t think so.” Toby shook his head. “I sounded her out just now, and she told me the Reeds got Sonia from an orphanage, so I guess she doesn’t know that Henry took her from the Grays instead of the orphanage. Perhaps not even Lina knew about this.”

“Henry kept the secret well then, since his own wife didn’t know about it.” Tom was surprised.

Toby pursed his lips. “I’m wondering why Henry kept Sonia and raised her like she was his own.”

Tom nodded as well. “I have the same question. The Reeds and Grays were already enemies back then. Titus stole Paradigm’s tech and almost bankrupted them, and he was behind the death of one of Henry’s workers. That was why Henry took Miss Reed away and tried to kill her as an act of vengeance, but he stopped at the last possible moment and raised her himself. That’s odd.”

Toby tapped his finger against his knee, but he said nothing.

Tom suddenly asked, “Oh, right. Now that Miss Reed knows the truth, she must feel awful. Is it really okay if we just leave her alone?”

“I know Sonia well. She’s upset and in pain, but she doesn’t need our concern. All she needs is silence. This is her fight and hers alone. She must get through it herself, and nobody can help her. Any help we give is external and weak. It’ll eventually wear off, so she must accept the truth herself. That’s the only way she can recover, but I believe that she will get through this fairly quickly.” Toby smiled calmly, but he had a confident look in his eyes.

Since Toby was so confident, Tom shrugged and said nothing.

On the other hand, Sonia threw herself onto the couch after she came back, then she stared at the ceiling for the longest time before blinking. That was the only proof she was a human instead of a doll.

The things that Grace told her hit her hard. I’m not my parents’ daughter. I’m just her replacement. My identity, the love I got, and even my name do not belong to me. She was nothing but a replacement for the dead baby. All she had now belonged to the real Sonia, and she was nothing but a stand in.

Her eyes turned red, and a drop of tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto the couch, drenching a small part of it. But then, from the corner of her eye, she saw the box she tossed onto the coffee table. Since it was her mother’s keepsake, she quickly sat up and took the box to open it.

She wanted to know what was inside it, and why her mother left her this box. The box was opened shortly thereafter, but much to her surprise, there were no photos or DNA test results inside. Instead, there was a CD.

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 485

A Mother’s Healing

There were no thumbnails or labels on the disc, so Sonia had no idea what the content was. However, she didn’t give up. She took the disc with her to the study and inserted it into her laptop’s disk drive. Once she opened it, there was only a single folder in it. When she clicked into it, what she saw was a video file.

She played the video, and the first thing she saw on the screen was a young, pale woman.

Sonia was surprised to see that face, then she covered her mouth in disbelief as tears streamed down her cheek. “Mom…” Her voice was shaking with excitement.

The woman who appeared on the screen was none other than Henry’s wife—Lina Ferguson. She died of cancer when Sonia was only five years old. Now that she saw her again, Sonia tried to touch Lina’s face. Even though she knew it wasn’t real, she wouldn’t pull her hand back. She kept trying to touch Lina’s face, and her gaze never shifted.

Lina was in a ward. She was wearing a typical blue-and-white striped patient gown, and there was not a single strand of hair on her head.

Sonia knew that was her mother staying in the hospital after she was diagnosed with cancer. As she looked at Lina, Sonia burst into tears again. It had been twenty-one long years since she last saw her mother. Or, at least, her mother who was still alive and breathing. “I miss you, mom.” The cursor on the screen was shaking as Sonia’s hand trembled, and her voice broke.

Lina faced the screen and smiled gently, as if she felt Sonia’s longing. “Sonia, when you see this, I might already be long gone, but do not worry. I will always, always watch over you from the heavens above.”

“Mom…” Sonia finally couldn’t hold it in anymore, and she leaned over on the table to cry her heart out.

The video continued. Lina coughed a few times, and she got even paler, while her voice was little more than a whisper. “Sonia, I want to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for hiding the truth from you. Your father and I never told you about your real identity. Please, find it in your heart to forgive us.”

Sonia looked up tearfully and bit her lip in silence.

Lina coughed again, but this time, Sonia saw a hand reach out, and the owner of the hand was handing Lina a glass of water.

It was obvious that the hand belonged to a man, and there was a black mole on the thumb. That’s Dad’s hand! Dad’s here too? Sonia was buzzing with excitement. Will I see him too?

Just when she was thinking about her father, a gentle voice said, “Have some water, honey.” It wasn’t obvious, but there was pain and agony in that voice.

It really is dad! Sonia started trembling with delight.

Lina turned her head to the side and smiled. “Thank you, honey.” She took the glass of water and took a sip. Thanks to that, her coughing subsided ever so slightly. Then, she put her glass down and faced the screen. “Sonia, you must be upset after finding out that you aren’t our daughter. It’ll be unacceptable, and you might think that you’re just a replacement for our own daughter who had passed. Am I right?”

Sonia clenched her fists. Yes, you are. You know me the best, both you and dad.

Lina smiled weakly. “Please don’t ever think you’re a replacement, Sonia. Yes, we did adopt you because our child had perished, but you were never her replacement. We love you not because we’re trying to fill the void our child left us, and you didn’t inherit her name either. Your father and I looked up the dictionary and came up with that name. It’s yours and yours alone.”

It’s mine alone? Sonia sat up straighter, and her eyes slowly regained some light. So I’m not a replacement, am I? Sonia never really cared if the Reeds were her real parents, since they treated her like their own. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t their daughter. What mattered was whether the Reeds treated her as a replacement.

She thought her parents treated her like their own because they saw her as their dead child. After all, she was taken to the Reeds not long after their child had died. Her parents were still grieving back then, so they might have showered her with all the love they never had the chance to give to their own child. However, her mother was telling her that was not the case. She was no replacement, and they loved her not because she was filling a void, but because she deserved love herself. Her name wasn’t inherited from the child either. They came up with a new one for me.

As if knowing what Sonia was thinking, Lina said again, “Sonia, our daughter was called Nelly, while you are Sonia. You’re our second child. You never were her replacement. We didn’t tell you because you were young, and you might not understand us. But you should have grown into a lady when you see this. We trust that you will understand us, right?”

“Yes.” Sonia nodded, her voice breaking.

Lina continued, “Sonia, please don’t dwell on this matter for too long. We hope you’ll make peace with yourself as soon as possible. We might not be related by blood, but we are bonded by love. You have, and always will be, our true daughter.”

“That’s right!” Henry, who hadn’t shown his face, finally popped into the video.

He was so much younger than he was six years ago, and the sight of him made her tear up again. She just stopped crying a moment ago, but now the waterworks wouldn’t stop. “Dad…”

“We love you, Sonia, so don’t dwell on something as trivial as bloodline. You and Nelly are both our daughters. And I have to say sorry as well. Please forgive me, but I never regretted my decision. Maybe the day will come when you realize you would have gone down the wrong path if you had stayed as a part of their family,” Henry suddenly looked down and said something confusing.

Sonia squinted suspiciously. What’s dad trying to say? What does he mean I would have gone down the wrong path if I had stayed as their family? Who are they anyway?

Before she could figure that out, Henry and Lina suddenly waved at the screen.

“Alright, Sonia. It’s time for your mother’s checkup, and I’m taking her there. This is the end of the video. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Sonia. I love you.” Lina gave her a flying kiss, and the video ended. Then, she was redirected back to the main page.

Tears wouldn’t stop falling down Sonia’s cheeks. “Goodbye, Mom. Goodbye, Dad.” She bade them farewell, choking up. “I love you too.” She knew that her parents were trying to tell her that they truly loved her and that she should accept the truth as it was, but more than that, the video was her mother’s final, farewell clip for her.

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 486

Got Over It

She was only five when her mother passed away. Back then, she had no idea what cancer was, nor did she have any concept of death. All she knew was her mother was terribly ill and had to stay in the hospital for a long time. She had wanted to go to the hospital, but her grandfather suddenly came and took her away. He told her that Lina wanted her to spend the summer vacation with him. “Your mother will get discharged after summer ends,” he said.

However, after a month, her mother didn’t come back. All she saw was a little urn that contained her mother.

When she grew up and knew what death was, Sonia burst into tears. She regretted following her grandfather back then instead of staying with her mother at the hospital. If she did, she could have said goodbye to her mother.

That wish was finally fulfilled with this video, and she even got to say goodbye to her father. Six years ago, she also couldn’t say goodbye to her father since he had committed suicide. Fortunately, they managed to say goodbye to each other in the video.

Sonia ejected the disc and carefully held it, as if it was a priceless treasure. She could no longer hold her sorrow back, so she let it out in the form of tears. After a long, long time of crying, she finally got exhausted and drifted to sleep on the table.

Sonia was woken up by the sound of someone ringing the doorbell the next day. When she opened her eyes and sat up, she realized her whole back was sore and her neck was stiff. Oh, I don’t think I can move my neck. Dang it. After keeping the CD carefully, she got up and massaged her neck while leaving her study and heading to the door.

She opened the door only to be greeted by Charles holding a plush toy. “Morning, babe.” He grinned toothily.

Sonia was amused by his stupid grin, so she smiled. “Morning. Come in.”

However, Charles just stood there, as if he was petrified.

Sonia frowned. “What is it? Why are you just standing there?”

Charles finally snapped out of it and looked at her in surprise. “You’re back to your old self, babe.”

Sonia smiled. “Yes,” she answered curtly.

That piqued Charles’ curiosity. “How did you do that, babe? Did you accept your true identity already?”

Sonia grunted. “Yes, I did.”

“That was fast.” He held her hand and took her to the couch and sat her down. “Tell me, babe. How did you do it?”

He knew she’d accept the truth sooner or later, since the past couldn’t be changed. It’s not like she can break ties with the Reeds. However, he never thought she would get over it in a single night. He thought it would take her a long while to do so.

Sonia pulled a wet tissue out from the tissue box and wiped her eyes. Since she cried a few times the night before and didn’t remove her makeup before she slept, her eyes felt uncomfortably dry. As she wiped her eyes, she answered, “There’s a CD in the box Grace gave me. It’s a video my parents recorded before they died. They knew I’d find out about the truth sooner or later, so they made the video in case I overthought the matter. They told me they love me as a daughter even though they aren’t my real parents.” Then, her lips curled into a smile.

Charles looked at her and nodded in realization. “I see.”

“And I got over it.” She locked eyes with Charles. “They took me as one of their own. If I deny them just because they aren’t my biological parents, then I’m just a piece of trash.”

Charles sat up. “That’s right. Just keep thinking that way. I was worried sick about you last night, and Mom couldn’t even sleep. After all, she told you the truth, and she felt guilty about you feeling so down. She kept thinking she did the wrong thing.”

Sonia poured a glass of water for herself. “Sorry, Charles. Sorry for worrying you guys. I’ll call Grace later,” she said sheepishly.

“Sure.” Charles nodded. Just then, he remembered something, and he stuffed the plush toy into her hand. “This is for you.”

“Why are you giving me this?” Sonia looked at the cute teddy bear, but she was perplexed.

Charles scratched his head. “I was worried you might still feel sad about the whole thing, so I thought I should get you something to cheer you up. I wasn’t sure what would be appropriate, but I picked this little guy in the end. I hope you don’t hate it.”

Sonia chuckled. “Of course not. I love it. Thank you, Charles.” She didn’t really like plush toys, but she’d never trample on someone’s act of kindness.

The fact that she liked it made Charles smile. “Did you have breakfast already, babe?”

Sonia shook her head. “Not yet.”

“I’ll get some for you. Give me a minute.” Charles stood up.

Sonia nodded. “Sure. I’m going to take a shower and heal my eyes.”

She didn’t need a mirror to know her eyes were red and puffy, since Charles was shocked to see her when she opened the door. He just didn’t say it out loud.

After Charles was gone, Sonia went to the bathroom to shower. When she was done, Charles was back with breakfast. They had a quick breakfast before going out and went their own ways. Charles went back to his place, while Sonia went to Paradigm Co.

After the cars were gone, someone came out from the shadows. The silhouette was holding a phone and talking to someone.

Back at Fuller Group, Tom nodded. “I see. Come back then.” He hung up and knocked on Toby’s office’s door.

“Come in,” Toby said solemnly.

When Tom went in, he noticed Toby was leaning against his chair with his eyes closed, and he was clutching his chest. He was frowning, looking like he was in pain. Tom tensed up when he saw that, and he went over to him quickly. “What’s wrong, sir?”

Toby opened his eyes and put his hand down. “I’m fine.” He waved Tom off.

“Are you sure? You don’t look so good. Is it your heart—”

“Enough,” Toby interrupted him impatiently. “What is it?”

You’re obviously sick, but you don’t want to talk about it or let anyone ask. Tom sighed, feeling helpless. “It’s about Miss Reed. When she came out today, she looked like her usual self again. She probably got over the truth already.”

Toby arched his eyebrow. “That was fast.” Miraculously, he shared Charles’ sentiment in this aspect. They knew Sonia would get through it, but they never thought it’d be that fast.

Tom nodded. “Yes.”

Toby squinted. “Looks like someone must have told her something, or she couldn’t have got through it that quickly. Someone like her would doubt herself and ask a lot of questions first before coming to terms with the truth.”

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“Should I look into it then?”

Toby raised his hand. “No, let it be. It’s great that she got through it. Just ignore everything else.”

“Yes,” Tom answered.

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 487

Do Not Appear Before Me

“You may leave now.” Toby massaged his forehead.

Toby was still looking pale, much to Tom’s worry, so Tom stood there and refused to leave. “Are you really alright, sir? Should I take you to the hospital? Dr. Lancaster said you can get discharged, but you have to rest. You went against his advice and came back to work immediately. That’s going to take a toll on your heart, so—”

“It’s fine. I know what I’m doing,” Toby sipped some water and interrupted him. “I’ll go to the hospital if I can’t hold on anymore.”

“Very well then. I’ll be going now. Call me if anything happens.” Tom sighed and took two steps back before turning around to leave.

After Tom left, Toby put his glass down and took a bottle of pills from his drawer. He uncapped it and popped two pills into his mouth before swallowing them dry.

Once he did so, Toby screwed the cap shut and fiddled with the bottle, looking at it mockingly. The pills were specifically made to keep his heart condition under control. He had taken it for more than twenty years previously, and just when he thought he was free of them, he was once again forced to take them after six years.

But Toby regretted nothing. He’d still jump down the cliff for Sonia if he had to make the same decision again. Toby heaved a sigh and tossed the bottle back into the drawer. He then closed it and went back to work on the documents.

A hospital staff member called Toby that afternoon to get him to come over for a checkup.

Toby postponed the less important plans in the afternoon and left with Tom.

They came to the company’s car park, but before they got to the car, Toby suddenly stopped and stared ahead in disbelief.

Tom had no idea what was going on. When Toby stopped, he stopped as well. “What is it, sir?” he asked.

“Sonia’s here.” Toby looked at the woman who was standing beside his car.

Tom quickly stuck his head out from behind Toby to look at the car, and he saw Sonia there. “It is her. But why is she here?” Tom was curious.

Toby squinted, but he walked ahead without saying anything.

When Sonia heard the sound of footsteps, she looked up from her phone to see who it was. After seeing Toby and Tom coming over, she straightened her back and turned to face Toby. “Hello, Mr. Fuller.”

“What do you want?” Toby looked at her, his expression inscrutable.

Sonia frowned. He’s still as cold as he was two days ago. “I’m here for an answer.” She looked at him.

Toby pursed his lips. “What answer?” He looked at her curiously.

Sonia said, “Why did you stop me from taking care of you? I need to know the reason, Mr. Fuller.”

She didn’t care why he gave up on her, nor did she want to know why. However, she just couldn’t understand why he refused to let her take care of him. It made her feel like she did something to annoy him, so he didn’t want her near him anymore.

And his refusal made it impossible for her to repay his kindness. Tom might have said she didn’t have to do it, but she didn’t take the advice. That’d go against her creed and turn her into nothing but someone who only knew how to take but not give. She’d never allow herself to become that kind of woman.

She was the kind of person who’d repay anyone who helped her, or it would never sit right with her, not to mention she’d lose sleep over it.

Toby’s eyes glinted when he heard the question. He never thought Sonia would want to know the answer to that matter, and she even came to see him personally for this. If she had gone to the receptionist instead of waiting at his car, she would have missed the chance to see him. “No reason,” Toby answered calmly and tried to go past her.

Sonia opened her arms and stopped him. “No reason? Do you think I’d believe that, Mr. Fuller?” No reason is the biggest reason. He wanted me to take care of him, but then he said no the next day. That was too abrupt a change. Nobody would believe he was refusing me for no reason.

“What do you want then?” Toby frowned impatiently.

Sonia felt uneasy seeing him looking so impatient, and she pursed her lips. “I just want to know the reason, then I’ll keep taking care of you until you get better. You know I’m trying to repay your kindness, so—”

“Tom should have told you I don’t need that kind of help,” Toby interrupted her calmly.

Tom adjusted his glasses and went up. “I did tell her that.”

“Yes, but I refuse to accept that. You saved me, so I have to repay your kindness. You might not need it, but that’s my creed.” She looked into his eyes seriously. If she actually didn’t repay anyone’s kindness just because they told her so, nobody would help nor befriend her anymore.

Toby never thought Sonia would be so stubborn, so he sighed quietly. “Fine, since you insist, you may do that, but do it in another way. I don’t need your care. It makes me uncomfortable.”55319

“Uncomfortable?” Sonia was surprised. “Which part?” Is it about more intimate care? But his legs are fine, so he doesn’t need my help going to the bathroom or taking a shower. There shouldn’t be any problem with that.

Sonia was still trying to figure the answer out, but Toby put his hands into his pockets and clenched his fists. “Every single part,” he said coolly. “You’re a lousy caretaker—so unprofessional and careless. I’d rather hire a caretaker than have you around. Is that reason good enough?”

Sonia’s jaw dropped, and she was at a loss for words. Her face was beet red, obviously because she was embarrassed.

She knew she didn’t take good care of him since she wasn’t a professional, nor did she have any experience in taking care of a patient. Naturally, she’d make a lot of mistakes while she took care of him. She just never thought he’d be so straightforward about it.

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Sonia took a deep breath and held her annoyance in as she calmed herself down, then she looked at Toby. “I understand, Mr. Fuller. I won’t take care of you anymore. I’m sorry if you suffered under my care.” She bowed at him.0

Toby held back the urge to pull her up and just looked at her silently.

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Sonia stood up. “You are right. It is normal for you to refuse my care, since I was careless all the time. I’ll try to repay your kindness in some other way.”

“Suit yourself.” Toby looked at the floor. “But I don’t want to see you, so if you want to repay my kindness, do it at a place where I can’t see you.”

Sonia was stunned, and her heart ached for some reason. She bit her lip and agreed, but she sounded sad and angry. “Very well then.”

Since you don’t want to see me, that’s what you’ll get. I don’t want to see you either. She turned around as she didn’t even want to look at him anymore.

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 488

Wish Granted

Toby didn’t notice the slight discontent in her voice, so he felt hurt after she agreed not to show up before him ever again. It was something he wanted, but it still hurt him. However, he didn’t show it. Instead, he smiled coolly. “Good. I hope you can keep that promise.”

Sonia frowned. “Of course I will. You don’t have to tell me twice. After all, I don’t even love you, so why would I want to show up in front of you?”

The moment she said she didn’t love him, Toby was heartbroken. He clenched his fists even tighter, and he looked at her coldly. “Open the door, Tom,” he said darkly.

“Yes, sir,” Tom replied before taking out the car keys and unlocking the car.

Toby was about to open the door, but then another car swerved around the corner right behind Sonia. Apparently, the driver never expected anyone to be here, and he forgot to step on the brakes because he was shocked. That was the recipe for a perfect disaster, and the car came straight at Sonia.

Sonia was too preoccupied to realize what was happening, so she didn’t dodge. Toby was shocked that she was just standing still, so he held her wrist and pulled her into his embrace.

Sonia slammed straight into him and knocked her head on his necktie clip, causing her to grunt in pain. But before she could rub her forehead, Toby suddenly turned around, and her back crashed against his Maybach’s door. Toby was keeping her between him and his car, protecting her, but to those who knew nothing about the situation, they’d think they were flirting.

The owner of the car that almost crashed into Sonia heaved a sigh of relief when he saw her being rescued. He quickly stopped his car a few meters away and got out to apologize. “I’m sorry, Mr. Fuller. I’m sorry, miss.” He kept bowing. “I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry.”

Toby let Sonia go and turned around to look at the driver coldly. “Which department are you in?” His gaze was filled with murder.

“I-I’m in the planning department,” the man answered, but his voice was barely a whisper as he was terrified. He never thought he’d be so unlucky as to almost crash into someone and get caught by his boss. I’m going to lose my job, aren’t I?

“You handle this guy, Tom.” Toby squinted coldly.

Tom nodded. “Yes sir.” He looked at the man. “Follow me.” Then, he turned around and walked ahead.

The man hung his head low and went with Tom, but his legs were chattering.

After they left, only Toby and Sonia were left.

It was then Sonia realized what had happened. She felt lucky to be saved, but also a bit troubled. Naturally, she was lucky she was safe, but that also meant she owed Toby once again. That troubled her, of course. Great. When can I finish repaying him now? “Um, thank you.” She held the corner of her shirt.

Toby put his hands back into his pockets. “It’s nothing. I just didn’t want you to get into trouble here in case the company’s image gets ruined.”

Sonia stared at him in disbelief. So he helped me just because he didn’t want the company to get into trouble? Not because he was worried I might get into an accident? She bit her lip. “I see. But still, you saved me, so I’ll still repay your kindness.”

“Suit yourself,” Toby answered curtly and turned around to look at Tom and the driver who kept bowing at him. “Are you done, Tom?” Toby frowned.

Tom nodded. “Yes, sir. Right away.” He then told the driver something before he came back.

“Sir, he’s just a regular employee in the planning department. Since he was speeding and didn’t honk at all, I told HR to terminate him. I also called the traffic department, and they’ll suspend his license for now.” Tom stopped before Toby and told him about the punishment he doled out.

Toby grunted. “Let’s go.”

“Yes.” Tom nodded and opened the backseat door for him.

Toby got in the car.

Tom closed the door and turned around. “We’ll be leaving then, Miss Reed.”

“Sure.” She forced a smile and took a few steps back so Tom could get in the car.

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Tom nodded at her politely before climbing into the driver’s seat and driving away.

She saw the car off until it was nothing but a speck in the distance. Then, she stared down and went back to her car. Sonia was here in the first place to find out why Toby didn’t want her to take care of him anymore. She found out the answer, but she wasn’t happy in the slightest, especially when he told her to never show up before him ever again.

Sonia clenched her fists and laughed at herself. Men. They are all liars. He said he loves me and wants me back, but now he doesn’t want to see me anymore because I was a lousy caretaker. Fine. I don’t want to see him anyway.

At the same time, after he got in the car, Toby shed off all his calm demeanor and allowed his rage to boil within him.

Tom looked at him in the rear view mirror and hesitated for a moment before asking, “Sir, are you sure it’s a good idea to talk to Miss Reed like that?”0

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“What did you say?” Toby asked coldly.

Tom turned the steering wheel. “I mean, you said she’s lousier than a regular caretaker. And she looked really embarrassed when you said that.”0

“I know, but that’s the best reason as to why I don’t want her to care for me all of a sudden.” Toby closed his eyes and massaged his forehead. He couldn’t tell her he refused her care because he was dying. After all, he was worried she might fall for him again if she got close, and she would get hurt because of his death.

“True.” Tom nodded, then remembered something else. “And what about you telling her to never show herself anymore? Don’t you think that’d hurt her feelings?”

Toby opened his eyes and looked outside the window. “She won’t. She doesn’t love me, so she won’t feel hurt over that. She’s probably glad that she never has to see a guy who hurt her ever again.”

“Is that so?” Tom looked ahead and said nothing else. He might have bought that story, or perhaps he was thinking about something else.

Toby pulled his hand away from the door and shifted the topic. “Call Lily for me. I want her to be my partner for an event tomorrow. Tell her I’ll agree to work with her father if she doesn’t cause any trouble for me during the event.”

“Yes, sir.” Tom nodded. He wanted Miss Reed to go with him for this event, but now that things have gotten so bad, it’s normal he doesn’t want her to go with him.

They arrived at the hospital a short while later.

Tom stopped the car and turned around to tell Toby who had his eyes closed, “We’re here, sir.”

Toby opened his eyes and got out of the car quietly.

They came to the cardiology department, and Toby went for the checkup.

Tim came as well, and he examined Toby. “You don’t look so good. I see you didn’t do as the doctor ordered after you were discharged.”

Toby pursed his lips. “The company needs me.”

This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 489

A Marriage of Convenience

“Yes, but if you don’t do as the doctor told you to, you might not even have three years to spare. You could drop dead at any moment,” Tim adjusted his glasses and answered coolly.

Tim could make something as serious as life and death sound like another regular Tuesday just because he was a cold, heartless person.

When Tom realized that his boss had less than three years to live and might even die a sudden death, he panicked. “You heard him, sir.” He looked at Toby. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you will—”

“Enough.” Toby raised his hand to stop Tom. “I know my condition better than anyone.”

“But—” Tom wanted to say something, but Toby shot him a killer look, and Tom’s words were stuck in his throat.

Tim chuckled. “He’s just concerned about you. You’re so ungrateful.

Toby looked at him calmly, but he said nothing.

Since he wasn’t saying anything, Tim wouldn’t argue with him. He shrugged and went to check on the other patients.

“Have a seat, sir.” Tom took a chair and gave it to Toby.

Toby grunted and sat on the chair. He then stared at the floor as he got immersed in his own thoughts.

A while later, Tim came over with the results and handed it to Toby. “Here’s your results.”55342

Toby took it and skimmed through it, while Tom huddled closer as well to take a look. When he saw that Toby’s heart was deteriorating at a faster rate, he was shocked. “Why is President Fuller’s heart deteriorating so quickly?”

Toby frowned as well.

Tim put his hands into his coat’s pockets. “Like I said, instead of getting some rest like what I told him to, he overworked himself. His heart can’t take it, so it’s deteriorating faster and faster. That’s why I said he might not even have three years.”

“I see.” Tom clenched his fists. “So will he get better if he takes care of himself from now on?”

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“More or less, yes.” Tim shrugged.0

Tom looked at Toby. “Sir, I know you won’t like what I’m about to say, but please take care of yourself. For Master Tyler, and for Miss Reed as well. Master Tyler is still young and knows nothing about the company. The company still needs you, and Master Tyler still needs you. He can’t keep those sly old foxes under control without you. You also said you wanted to help Miss Reed so her life won’t be that hard, right?”

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The more he talked, the more overwhelmed Tom was. “But you haven’t even helped Miss Reed out that much yet, so if you don’t take care of yourself, you might die someday. If that happens, what should Master Tyler and Miss Reed do?”

Toby wanted to say something, but in the end, he sighed. “I get it. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

He had to say Tom hit him where it mattered the most. Toby took a deep breath and heaved a sigh. “Alright, Tom. I’ll be careful,” he said seriously.

Tom finally broke into a smile.

Tim said again, “Okay, now that you got your results, it’s time to get your meds. Since you went against the doctor’s orders and made your condition worse, you need new meds. Ditch the old ones.”

Toby grunted. “Do as he says.”

“Yes.” Tom nodded. He then took the prescription from Tim and went to take the meds.

Both of them left the hospital after Tom took the medicine.

After they got in the car, Toby suddenly thought of something. “Call Sonia and tell her she won’t have to attend the event tomorrow,” he said.

“Yes, sir.” Tom started driving away.

Toby rested his eyes and said nothing more.

After they came to his temporary house, Tom called Sonia.

Sonia was still working on the documents in her office, but for some reason, she was out of the loop and couldn’t concentrate no matter what. Because of that, she only managed to handle three files after a couple of hours.

Daphne poured her a cup of coffee. “Are you feeling unwell, Miss Reed?” she asked, concerned.

Sonia put her pen down and massaged her forehead. “No.”

“But you don’t look so good.” Daphne looked closer at Sonia’s face.

Sonia leaned back on her chair. “I’m fine. Just exhausted, probably.”

“Why don’t you get some rest then? These aren’t urgent,” Daphne said.

Sonia nodded. “Good idea. I’ll lie down on the couch.”

She stood up and straightened her clothes before going to the couch, but then her phone rang, stopping her. When she looked at her phone and realized it was from Tom, she picked her phone up in a flash for some reason. “Hello, Tom.”

“Hello, Miss Reed,” Tom greeted her.

Sonia sat back down. “Do you need anything?”

He’s probably calling me on Toby’s orders. There’s no reason he’d call me, since we aren’t friends.

Tom looked at Toby, who was resting after he took his meds. He then tiptoed out of Toby’s room and answered, “President Fuller asked me to tell you that you don’t have to go to the event tomorrow, Miss Reed.”

“I don’t have to go?” Sonia frowned. He’s going to meet up with some foreign bigshots, and he needs a partner. That’s the rule. He asked me to go with him and I said yes, so why did he change his mind now?

“Yes.” Tom nodded. “President Fuller has found another partner, and he doesn’t want to trouble you.”

Sonia tightened her grip on her phone, and she started getting restless. A moment later, she bit her lip. “Who’s his new partner?”

Tom didn’t realize she sounded off, so he told her honestly, “Lily from the McRae Family.”

“Lily McRae?” Sonia was obviously upset when she heard that name.

Lily had gained massive popularity among the upper society as of late, but not because of her own merit. Her family just announced that they were going to have a marriage of convenience with the Fullers. Lily was their only daughter, and although the Fullers had two sons, Tyler was only seventeen, so he wasn’t the McRae’s target. After all, Lily was eight years older than Tyler was. In other words, their target was Toby.

Because of that, Lily rose from a practical nobody to a star among the socialites. Even someone like Sonia—who couldn’t care less about the upper society—heard about it. There was no way Toby wouldn’t know that the McRaes were trying to get their hands on him.

But even though he knew the McRaes were trying to get him onto the same boat to solve their crisis, he still chose Lily as his partner. So he’s agreeing to the marriage? The mere thought of that made her feel like something was squeezing her heart, and she started to suffocate.

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This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr Chapter 490

Stepsister Appears0

She held the phone with one hand and clutched her chest. A long while later, she finally spoke, but her voice was hoarse. “I understand. I won’t be going tomorrow, so tell your boss not to worry. I did say I would never show up in front of him ever again, and I intend to uphold that promise. And tell your boss congratulations. He and Miss McRae will make a wonderful pair.” She put her phone down and hung up right away.

Tom frowned curiously. “What is she talking about?” Why should I congratulate President Fuller? And what does she mean he and Miss McRae make a great pair?

Daphne noticed that Sonia was looking a bit pale after hanging up, so she asked, “What’s wrong, Miss Reed?”

“I’m fine.” She bit her lip, but since she was using too much force, her lip paled.

She just thought it was ironic. It was acceptable that Toby suddenly went back on his word and switched his partner out. After all, he did tell her to never show her face around him again, so it was normal that he didn’t want her to be his partner. She already had that guess, so Tom’s call just confirmed it.

She was already prepared because she had a guess that Toby would cancel the invitation, but she still felt hurt when she got the news. That wasn’t the most important thing, of course. Her real gripe was that Toby only told her about the cancellation after he found another partner.

Is he playing me for a fool? To make a clearer example, let’s say they were still a couple, but Toby actually found another girl before he told her about the breakup. It was like she was dumped after she outlived her usefulness. He could have told me to not go before he got a new partner, but he didn’t! And he got Lily as his partner out of all people.

The more she thought about it, the more restless she was. In the end, she leaned back and pinched the area between her brows in exhaustion. “Leave me be, Daphne. I want some alone time.”

“Yes, Miss Reed.” Daphne looked at her worriedly before leaving the office.

After she left, Daphne called Charles’ number. She actually didn’t want to call him over Sonia. After all, Sonia was her romantic rival even though Sonia didn’t like Charles.

But she knew Charles had liked Sonia for a long time now. If Sonia was unhappy, Charles wouldn’t be happy. She loved Charles and would not want to see him sad, so even though Sonia was her romantic rival, she would still call Charles and ask him to come over and take a look. After all, love could be both selfish and selfless. Her love was the latter. She knew it was impossible for her to date Charles, so she could never be selfish. That was why she wanted her loved one to be happy.

Once the call went through, Charles asked, “What is it, Daphne?”

“Mr. Lane, I need to tell you something. Miss Reed seems off after taking a particular call. Do you want to come over and take a look?” Daphne looked at Sonia’s office as she spoke.

Charles leapt to his feet the moment Daphne said something was off about Sonia. “Who called my baby?”

Daphne was hurt hearing the man she loved calling someone else ‘baby’, but she held it down. She took a deep breath and said calmly, “It was Mr. Fuller’s assistant—Tom Brown.”

“Tom Brown?” The mention of that name soured his mood.

The fact that Tom worked for Toby was annoying enough, and not to mention nothing good ever happened whenever they met. When he recalled how easily Tom pinned him down, he gnashed his teeth angrily. “I got it. I’ll come over right away.”

“Thank you.” Daphne hung up and put her phone down. She then adjusted her glasses and went back to her office.

Two weeks later, Charles came to Paradigm Co., but he looked solemn when he came in. It was as if something serious had happened. Sonia wanted to ask why he came over all of a sudden, but when she saw the look on his face, she asked, “What happened, Charles?”

Charles stood before her desk somberly. “I think I saw Jessica, babe.”

The mention of that name got Sonia’s attention, and she sat up straighter. “What did you say? You saw Jessica?”

“Yes.” Charles nodded. “I’m sure it’s her. I even have her picture.”

“I want to see it.” Sonia stood up.

Charles took his phone out and scrolled through his gallery for the latest photo. “This one right here. I didn’t park my car in the car park, but at the roadside near the company. When I got out, I looked around and saw her in the café across the street. I couldn’t believe my eyes, so I took her photo.”

Sonia wasn’t listening. Instead, she was staring at the photo that captured the side profile of a woman. Since it was zoomed in, the resolution wasn’t too high, but Sonia recognized the woman all the same. It was indeed Jessica, who had made off with her mother with the last of Paradigm Co.’s money after Henry killed himself six years ago.

“It’s been six years. She actually came back.” Sonia gripped the phone tightly, her expression dark.

Charles nodded. “Yeah. We thought they would never return, but it only took her six years to come back. I think her mother might be here as well.”

Sonia sneered. “Of course. Paradigm Co. is stable now and not bankrupt, so of course they would find out about the news and come back.”

“So you’re saying they’re here so they can take Paradigm Co. from you?” Charles frowned.

Sonia handed him his phone. “They have no other reason to come back. They’re both greedy leeches. After Dad died, they took all the money and ran away, disappearing without a trace. They didn’t care about the company, and they didn’t even come to Dad’s funeral. They’re heartless b*tches who only care about themselves. If it weren’t because of Asher stepping up and asking the bank to give us a loan, Paradigm Co. would have gone bankrupt six years ago.”

She had to thank Asher for Paradigm Co.’s continued survival. Even though he did it all so he could take full control, his contribution was undeniable. That was why Sonia tolerated him despite all his schemes and antics. She never did punish him using her status as main shareholder. However, if he did cross her line, she’d stop tolerating him. As the main shareholder, she had more than one way to fire Asher.

Charles laughed mirthlessly. “They ran when Paradigm Co. and the Reeds got into trouble, but now that the company’s back on track, they want to get a slice of the pie? How nasty.”

“They’re heartless b*stards. Honor means nothing to them, but profit means everything. The question here is when they made their return, and how long have they been here.” Sonia frowned and started thinking about the questions at hand.

If they just came back, then they’d probably raise hell soon. But if it has been a while since they returned, then where are they staying right now? And why haven’t they shown up yet?

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